The Lotus Project has developed the LP Impact Tracker, a tool to identify and evaluate the effects of our projects on the lives of the rural communities. The purpose of the LP Impact Tracker it to provide a holistic view of the progress made throughout and after the implementation of rural development projects. The generated insights from the Impact Tracker are used to detect problems; mitigate negative side effects; and improve projects with the interests of the community at the forefront of all decisions.

All actions by the Lotus Project and their relevant consequences are measured using indicators. Defined indicators were selected for the Impact Tracker that line up with the Lotus Project’s mission statement and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Indicators were then chosen based on: ease of collection; alignment with Lotus Project’s goals; and likelihood of indicator actually measuring change. 13 indicators were categorised within 4 impact clusters:

Relevant output, outcome, and proxy metrics are used to set targets, track performance, and manage impacts toward success. Impact metrics deliver essential information for strategic decisions. However, this tracker is more than just counting metrics. It considers information about risks, returns, and impact in order to learn, adjust, and improve project decision-making. This includes embedding review loops throughout the lifecycle of a project and incorporating feedback from affected communities.

Using the indicators, surveys are carried out in households throughout the community at all stages of the RDM in order to gather data and compare against the set targets. The information is then analysed to truly assess the impact of the Lotus Project.

The Impact Tracker is an extremely powerful and useful tool that will allow the Lotus Project to attract donors and publicity; engage local partners to collaborate with; and most importantly, to better understand the correlation between our actions and effects as an organisation. The Impact Tracker aids our projects to support developing countries find a path towards a more sustainable future.